When mother nature is waking up from her winter slumber, she brings with it rebirth and renewal. That’s why Iranians celebrate the new year, Nowruz (literally, ‘new day’), with the arrival of spring, a real possibility of a new life. Read on to find out 10 things you should know about the most important holiday in Iran.

“Tehran in Spring” Photo by Shahin Kamali

It happens on the vernal equinox

Instead of counting down to midnight, Iranians countdown to the exact moment of the vernal equinox, which varies every year. This year, Iranians will ring in the year 1397 on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at 19:45:28 Tehran time.

It’s not just Iranians who celebrate

Iran actually shares this holiday with ten other countries. A national holiday in Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraqi Kurdistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, it’s also an unofficial holiday observed in a few other countries.

This holiday comes from Zoroastrianism

Nowruz dates back some 3,000 years to Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions and religion of ancient Persians before the Islamic conquest of the 7th century.

It’s like several western holidays wrapped into one

Painted eggs like Easter, gift-exchanging like Christmas, Haji Firooz like Santa Claus and knocking on doors asking for treats like Halloween (without the costumes!).

“Shopping for Haftsin” Photo by Shahin Kamali

There are plenty of pre-Nowruz traditions and festivities

The first sighting of Haji Firouz, the jovial character with a face of soot and red clothes singing and playing his tambourine, is usually a good indicator that the holiday season has begun. As the over-arching theme of Nowruz is renewal and fresh beginnings, in the weeks leading up to it, Iranians begin khuneh tekuni, literally shaking the house, or spring cleaning. It’s not uncommon to see rugs taking a beating, then washed, and hung outside the house. Sabze, sprouts, are grown from wheat and lentils for the Haft Seen Table, a display with seven symbolic plant-based items that begin with the Persian letter ’s’. And the final prelude happens on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz, known as Châhârshanbe Suri. The home has been cleaned and now Iranians purify themselves by jumping over bonfires, symbolic of giving the fire their sick pallor and taking its warm energy.

You must have a traditional new year meal

And a traditional Nowruz meal calls for the staples sabzi polo bâ mâhi, a fragrant herb pilaf with whitefish, and kuku sabzi, a frittata made with various herbs such as coriander, dill, parsley, fenugreek, tarragon, and others.

Sabzi Polo Mahi (سبزی پلو با ماهی) by Diana Sahraei

See your family, then see them again

Or deed o bâzdeed, as they say in Persian. During this two-week holiday, younger members of the family pay their respects to the elderly first, and then the elder members return their visit a few days later. Children usually cash in at this time as they receive pocketfuls of eidi, money, from each visit.

Wear new clothes

What better excuse to go shopping than Nowruz dictates you do so? Everything down to your underwear should be brand new.

Prevent bad luck by going out on the 13th day

The thirteenth and final day of Nowruz, Sizdah Bedar, is a day when Iranians must spend the day outdoors lest they have bad luck in the new year. Parks overflow with locals cooking and eating the traditional âsh soup. The Haft Seen Table sprouts, which have by then absorbed the negative energy of each household, are tossed into flowing water, but not before single girls have tied a knot in them in hopes of finding their soulmate by the following year.

Wish your loved ones a Happy New Year in Persian with one of these phrases; eid-e shomâ mobârak or sâl-e no mobârak!

I visited Iran for the 4th time and I never thought I could enjoy it even more. It was, in fact, a fairy tale because I can`t wake up from this dream and I feel as if I was still wandering in those beautiful places, surrounded by those smiling faces.

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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for turning our holidays such a beautiful experience. I will always choose your services in Iran and will definitely spread my word to those that show interest to visit your beloved country because you are really reliable.

Iran is an ancient land with a unique geographical location along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 CE), which made the country a frequented destination.

Cities embellished with mosques, school and caravanserais adorned with the finest of decorations along this ancient route facilitated the trade of cultures, helped to forge political and economic ties between Persia, China, India, Europe and Arabia and allowed for the trade of cultures, religions, syncretic philosophies and various technologies among these civilizations.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Naqsh-e Jahan Square | Isfahan

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the second largest square in the world after Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, is a masterpiece of Islamic and Iranian architecture, which sits at the heart of Isfahan city in an area of 89,600 square meters.

This royal square, which literally means ‘Exemplar of the World,’ was designed by the polymath Sheikh Baha’i (1547- 1621) upon the order of the founder of the Safavid Dynasty, Shah Abbas I (1571-1629).

The square is surrounded by Isfahan Bazaar or Qeisarieh in the north, Sheikh Lutfollah Mosque in the east, Imam Mosque in the south and Ali Qapu Palace in the west.

The first of the four monuments dominating Naqsh-e Jahan Square is Sheikh Lutfollah Mosque which was built as the private mosque of the royal family and court over a period of 18 years. Unlike other mosques in Iran, Sheikh Lutfollah Mosque has no courtyard or minarets.

Despite its simple architecture, the finest materials were used in the construction of the mosque and prominent artists like calligrapher Ali Reza Abbasi were commissioned to create its complex interior and exterior decorations. This mosque has a famous underdone which has inspired the creation of beautiful Persian carpets and Iranian squares.

Imam (Shah) Mosque, also known as Jame Abbasi Mosque or Royal Mosque, was built to replace the Jame Mosque of Isfahan as the venue for the Friday Prayers. The dome of this mosque was designed by Sheikh Baha’i so that travellers on the Silk Road could see it glittering like a turquoise gem from miles away.

Ali Qapu (Imperial Gate) Palace is actually a six-story pavilion, which was the entrance to the Safavid royal quarters. Shah Abbas I spent most of his time in this palace, entertained visitors and foreign emissaries there and used the upper galleries to watch polo games, military parades and to host lavish banquets.

Isfahan Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle East. This two-kilometre vaulted street connects the main entrance known as Qeisarieh with the city’s Jame Mosque. Above the portal of Qeisarieh Bazaar is a tribune that once accommodated musicians giving public concerts.

The magnificent multi-purpose Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which served as a marketplace, polo field, place for social meetings, concert grounds and a festival park, is depicted on the back of the Iranian 20,000 Rial banknote.

Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace | Tehran

Golestan Palace or the Rose Garden Palace is a masterpiece of Qajar era (1785–1925) crafts and architecture and the place where traditional Persian arts meet European architecture. The palace was originally known as the Arg of Tehran and was built during the reign of the founder of the Safavid dynasty, Shah Abbas I (1571-1629). It found importance after Agha Mohammad Khan (1742-1797), the first of the Qajar Kings, chose Tehran as his capital and resided in this place.

The palace complex was expanded during the reign of Fath-Ali Shah (1772-1834). During the reign of Nasser-al Din Shah (1831-1896), who ruled for 49 years and was the first Iranian king to visit Europe three times, additions inspired by European architecture were added to the palace.

The palace has some of the finest examples of Persian mirror work, stucco and stained glass decorations and consists of 17 palaces, museums, and halls, which were mostly built over the two centuries of Qajar rule.

Bam and its Cultural Landscape

Bam | Kerman

Bam is located 180 kilometres southeast of the city of Kerman and is considered to be the second largest city in Kerman Province. Bam is the only Iranian city to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bam has arid climate and due to its proximity to deserts experiences extreme climate variations as a result of which the city sometimes has the hottest summers and coldest winters in the country.

The city was located along the Silk Road and was an important military and trade centre in the Sassanid era (226-651 CE). The last ruler of the Zand Dynasty Lotf Ali Khan (1769-1794) fled to this city where he was ultimately captured by Agha Mohammad Khan (1742-1797), the first of the Qajar dynasty (1785-1925).

The current city of Bam is built around the Bam Citadel or Arg-e Bam, which is also the city’s main attraction. This fortress city dates back to the Achaemenid era (550-330 BC) and was inhabited for over 20 centuries before being abandoned in the late 19th century when its inhabitants moved to the current city of Bam.

The citadel was built to withstand long sieges and was impenetrable when its gates were closed. It was also the largest adobe structure in the world but 80 percent of it was destroyed in a devastating earthquake in 2003. Since then efforts have been underway to restore this ancient citadel.

Iran is one of the main producers of dates in the world and produces over 400 different types of dates, 15 of which are known in international markets. One of these 15 date varieties is the Mazafati, a soft black date, which is exclusively produced in Bam.

Pasargadae

Pasargad | Shiraz

The ruins of Pasargadae, the first dynastical capital of the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC), lie northeast of Persepolis, in Fars Province. Pasargadae was the capital and holds the tomb of Cyrus the Great (576-530 BC), who is best remembered for his unprecedented tolerance and magnanimous attitude towards the nations he conquered and for drawing up the first Charter of Human Rights known to man.

It is said that Cyrus chose the location of his capital as it was near the battlefield in which he defeated Astyages (reign 585-550 BCE), the last Median ruler.

What remains of the palace of Cyrus the Great contains a pillar with a unique ‘winged figure’ relief which is believed to be a representation of Cyrus. The figure is seen in Elamite robes, wearing an Egyptian crown and with Assyrian wings—all subject nations of the Achaemenids.

On a hill on the northern limit of Pasargadae stands a fortified terrace platform made of limestone known as Tall-e Takht. As customary of Achaemenid architecture, the anathyrosis method (the ancient technique used to dress the joints without the use of mortar) was used to join the stone blocks used in the construction of this structure. While the palaces of Pasargadae were abandoned over time, Tall-e Takht continued to be used as a fort in later times.

The tomb of Cyrus, which is one of the most prominent structures of Pasargadae, has a design similar to Mesopotamian ziggurats. The limestone structure has six steps leading to the sepulchre where it is believed that the body of the Achaemenid king was placed on a golden bed. It is said that during the Attack of Alexander (356-323 BC), Cyrus’ Tomb was raided and its riches were plundered.

According to Greek accounts, when the raiders entered the tomb they found an inscription which read “O man, whoever thou art, from wheresoever thou cometh, for I know you shall come, I am Cyrus, who founded the empire of the Persians. Grudge me not, therefore, this little earth that covers my body.”

Until 100 years ago it was believed that the tomb of Cyrus belonged to Prophet Solomon’s mother. The tomb was a pilgrimage place and a mosque was built around it, which was in use until the 14th century. The remains of the mosque were cleared from the site in the 1970s when the tomb of Cyrus was restored.

Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine

Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine | Ardebil

Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili’s Ribat and Shrine is a 16th-century religious complex that became the prototype for Ribats built by Sufis in later years. The complex includes a library, a mosque, a school, an Ab-Anbar (water reservoir), a hospital, kitchens, a bakery, and offices as well as the tombs of several Safavid Sufi masters, Safavid royals and their wives and some of the fallen soldiers in the 1514 Battle of Chaldoran at the time of the Ottoman–Persian Wars.

Sheikh Safi al-Din (1252–1334) was the founder of the Safaviyya Sufi order and the eponym of the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736). His mausoleum was originally built by his son Sheikh Sadr al-Din Musa in 1334. One of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili’s decedents Shah Abbas I (1571-1629) renovated parts of the shrine and expanded it. He employed Safavid calligraphers and artisans to create the exquisite ornamentation of this structure.

The result was some of the finest examples of Mo’arraq tilework, Muqarnas or ornamented vaulting, Monabbat or wood carving and inlaid work, stucco reliefs featuring the works of Safavid calligraphers, illuminated tiles, Persian miniature paintings, stone carvings and gold and silver embellishments, which amaze visitors to this day.

Soltaniyeh Dome

Soltaniyeh Dome | Zanjan

Built on the order of the eighth Ilkhanid ruler Oljeitu, also known as Muhammad Khodabandeh (1280 – 1316), Soltaniyeh was the third Ilkhanid capital after Maragheh and Tabriz. Soltaniyeh was the place Ilkhanid rulers went hunting and to relax. Muhammad Khodabandeh is said to have built the Soltaniyeh Dome to become the first Shia Imam Ali (PBUH)’s (599-661) new shrine. After encountering fierce opposition from the Scholars of Najaf who were furious at the Ilkhanid ruler for wanting to move Imam Ali’s remains, Muhammad Khodabandeh abandoned his plan and Soltaniyeh Dome eventually became his own mausoleum.

Soltaniyeh Dome is the third tallest dome in the world after Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Italy and Hagia Sophia in Turkey. The dome of Soltaniyeh is 25.5 meters in diameter at its base and 48.5 meters tall. After a lengthy process, the tilework of this dome was successfully renovated in 2008.

Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Historical Hydraulic System | Shushtar

The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System dates back to the 3rd century CE and includes parts that are datable to the 5th century BC. The hydraulic system, which has been described as an advanced industrial complex that existed long before the 18th century Industrial Revolution in Europe, consists of a network of weir bridges, dams, water channels, watermills, rivers, and moats as well as a castle which was the centre controlling the system’s operation.

The oldest parts of the system date back to the Achaemenid era (550-330 BC) and include a manmade river known as Gargar Channel and Salasel Castle, which is the operation brain of the entire Hydraulic System. Salasel Castle not only controlled the operation flow of the water system but was also part of the defences of Shushtar city. In later periods, the castle was expanded to include a bakery, stables, barracks, guardrooms, a bath, a kitchen area, and several courtyards and became the residence of the Governor of Khuzestan Province.

Persepolis

Persepolis | Shiraz

Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire, was once known as the richest city under the sun. Persepolis was built by the Achaemenid King Darius I (550-486 BC) and his successors. The compound includes military quarters, the treasury, reception halls and living quarters for Achaemenid kings.

While many of the historical and natural wonders of the country have been photographed, documented and shared with the rest of the world, there are still many others which have not been properly promoted and are worthy of much more tourist attention. To get familiar with these unique sites follow our blog for future posts.

Iran is home to one of the richest art heritages and handicrafts in world history and distinguished in many disciplines, including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and stone masonry. The high plateau of Iran has seen the development of many cultures, all of which have added distinctive features to the many styles of Persian art and architecture. Although earlier civilizations are known, the first archaeological finds of artistic importance are the superb ceramics from Susa and Persepolis (c.3500 B.C.)

Tourists visiting Iran from different countries, find a variety of Iranian handicraft goods, which are interesting and pleasant to them in the traditional bazaars of Iran, especially in larger cities. Yet the kind of goods offered in the traditional bazaars at the present time does not introduce the real collection of Iranian handicrafts. Some of these products are either obsolete or like hand-woven silk cloths are very rare. Silk cloth is produced only in one or two special workshops so that the amount of production is only sufficient for museums and international exhibitions. Nevertheless it can be said that, Iranian handicrafts reach out to interested people and here we intend to review the manner in which contemporary artists produce some of these goods.

Saraye – Moshir, Shiraz

Here is a brief list of Iranian art and handicraft:

Calico (Ghalamkar)

Engraving (Ghalamzani)

Gerehchini

Inlaid work

Making National Musical Instruments of Iran (Tar & Setar)

Miniature (Negargari; the Iranian drowning)

Persian Carpet

Writing and calligraphy

Tile work

Calico (Ghalamkar)

Ghalamkar (Persian Tapestry Tablecloth) fabric is a type of Textile printing, patterned Iranian Fabric. The fabric is printed using patterned wooden stamps made of pear wood which has better flexibility and density for carving and long-standing utility. A tapestry may be stamped depending on its density and size, between hundreds and tens of thousands of times. For instance, 2 meters by 1.4 meters should be stamped about 580 times up to 4000 times in an elegant work.

Ghalamkar

Metal Engraving (Ghalamzani)

Engraving (Ghalam Zani) is the art of carving superb designs on various metals such as copper, brass, silver and gold. Isfahan is the main center for engraving. The artistic work of this course made by the artists are the glorious and undeniable indication of Previous metal work of Iran and Isfahan. Persian Metalwork Engraving is perhaps the most continuous and best-documented artistic medium from Iran in the Islamic period. Each hand engraved item may take up to one week to be finished depending on its size.

Ghalamzani

Gerehchini

Gerehchini is an art to create beauty with wood and glass. This art beautifys surfaces with use of geometrical figures, colored glasses, wooden pieces of Mo-arragh art, inlaid mirrors shaped with glass cutters which in the end will create a symmetrical and balanced structure.

Enamel (Meenakari) Handicrafts

Meenakari is the art of coloring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing over it brilliant colors that are decorated in an intricate design. Enamel working and decorating metals with colorful and baked coats is one of the distinguished courses of art in Isfahan. Mina is defined as some sort of glass-like colored coat which can be stabilized by heat on different metals particularly copper. Persian Enamel handicrafts can be used as wall hanging plates, home decor and candy dishes.

minakari

Turquoise Inlaying on Copper (Firoozeh Koobi)

Turquoise Inlaying on containers includes a copper object on parts of the surface of which small pieces of turquoise are set in mosaic fashion thus giving the object a special glamour. The production of Turquoise Inlaying includes two general stages: Goldsmith includes the making and preparation of the object intended for Turquoise Inlaying using one of the metals indicated above. Then Turquoise Inlaying where the artist buys waste turquoise chips & use them in making each Turquoise Inlaying object in proportion to the surface area.

Firoozeh Koobi

Wood Inlaying (Khatam Kari)

Khatam Kari consists in the production of incrustation patterns (generally star-shaped), with thin sticks of wood (ebony, teak, ziziphus, orange, rose), brass (for golden parts), camel bones (white parts). Ivory, gold or silver can also be used for collection objects. Sticks are assembled in triangular beams, themselves assembled and glued in a strict order to create a cylinder, 70 cm in diameter, whose cross-section is the main motif: a six-branch star included in a hexagon and then plated and glued on the object to be decorated, before lacquer finishing.

Khatam kari

Hand Painting Miniature (Miniator)

Persian Miniature is a small handmade oil painting on paper or more importantly on a piece of camel bone. The techniques are broadly comparable to the Western and Byzantine traditions of miniatures in illuminated manuscripts. The bright and pure coloring of the Persian miniature is one of its most striking features. The workshop tradition and division of labor within both an individual miniature complicates the attribution of paintings. Some are inscribed with the name of the artist, sometimes as part of the picture itself.

Miniature

Persian Carpet

Persian Carpet, the art of carpet weaving in Iran dates backs to 2,500 years and is rooted in the culture and customs of its people and their instinctive feelings. Weavers mix elegant patterns with a myriad of colors. The Iranian carpet is similar to the Persian garden: full of floras, birds and beasts. The colors are usually extracted from wild flowers, and are rich in colors such as burgundy, navy blue and accents of ivory. The proto-fabric is often washed in tea to soften the texture, giving it a unique quality. Depending on where the rug is made, patterns and designs vary. Some rugs such as Gabbeh, and Kilim have variations in their textures and number of knots as well. Out of about 2 million Iranians involved in the trade, 1.2 million are weavers who produce the largest amount of hand-woven carpets in the world.

Writing and calligraphy

Persian calligraphy has several styles. The style initiated by Darvish was emulated by his contemporaries–Mirza Hassan Isfahani, Mirza Kouchek Isfahani and Mohammad Ali Shirazi. After his death, the Shekasteh style fell into stagnation until it was revived in the 1970s. Says writer Will Durant: “Ancient Iranians, with an alphabet of 36 letters, used skins and pen to write instead of earthen tablets.” -

Such was the creativity spent on the art of writing. The significance of the art of calligraphy in works of pottery, metalwork and historical buildings is such that they are considered deficient without the calligraphic adorning. Illuminations, especially in the Qur’an and works such as Shahnameh, Divan-e Hafez, Golestan and Boustan, are recognized as highly invaluable because of their delicate calligraphy alone. Vast quantities of these are scattered and preserved in museums and private collections worldwide such as the Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg and Washington’s Freer Gallery of Art among many others.

Tile Work

Tile work is a unique feature of the blue mosques of Isfahan. In the old days, Kashan (kash + an literally means “land of tiles”) and Tabriz were famous centers of Iranian mosaic and tile industry in the past. Since centuries, Iranian art has developed particular patterns to decorate Iranian crafts. These motifs can be: – Inspired by ancestral nomad tribes (such as geometrical motifs used in kilims or gabbehs). – Islam influenced, with an advanced geometrical research. – Oriental based, also found in India or Pakistan.

Iran’s National Museum consisting of the Archaeological Museum, along with the magnificent collection of the Islamic Museum offers a breathtaking collection of Persian art dating back to some 7 thousand years ago!! The Abguineh museum offers a wonderful exhibition of delicate glass and ceramics housed in an elegant early 20th century building. The Carpet Museum also justifies the worldwide fame of Persian carpet weaving with its display of beautiful new and old carpets created in the workshops of Kerman, Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan and Kashan, etc.At the same time Persian miniatures and calligraphy – two more artistic traditions in which the Iranians excel – can be seen at the Reza Abbasi Museum. The named museums are just a small selection from the fabulous collections to be visited in Tehran.

27th of June (6th of Khordad of Iranian calendar) is the anniversary of “Khordadegan Celebration”.

Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd

Our Zoroastrian ancestors headed to the river bends and sea sides on this day and after praising “Ahura Mazda” (Higher Power), they spent their day with dear ones in the nature, also Lilies and Jasmine flowers were given as part of the ceremony. However, since then, it’s the Lilium Flower which has been the official symbol of this day.

Persian Lilium

Khordadegan Celebration Traditions:

One of the most important traditions on this day is going to the river bends and sea sides accompanied by friends and family, chanting religious benedictions praising “Ahura Mazda” and spending a joyful day.

Some of the activities on this day has been pointed out in the book of “ Farziat Nameh” written by the elder Zoroastrian priest “ Datur Darab Palen” which describes some of the activities on this day including: washing bodies, digging wells and renewing water canals.

Taking great care and attending water reservoirs and rebuilding water sources such as:

Fountains, wells, streams and water canals which are responsible for providing all living creatures on earth with water.

In the darkest moments of Iran’s history when Persia had been conquered, first by the Arabs who brought Islam, and later by barbarians from central Asia, one man sets out to revive its past and keep the Persian language and culture alive. Ferdowsi is credited with preserving the Persian language.

Arguably the most important work of Iranian literature, Ferdowsi’s epic poem Shahnameh was written without a single word of Arabic. He is therefore credited with saving the Persian language from becoming Arabic after the Islamic conquest. In fact, when asked why present-day Egypt speaks Arabic instead of Coptic, a prominent Egyptian historian stated matter-of-factly, “Because we had no Ferdowsi.”

Rostam Mourns Sohrab

Ferdowsi (940 – 1020Ad) was born in Tus, a town in North Eastern Iran, in the province of Khorasan. He devoted over 35 years of his life to the creation of the Shahnameh, which is the longest work of epic poetry ever written, composed of over 60,000 verses. Translated as ‘The Book of Kings’, the Shahnameh spans the history of Iran from mythical times until the Sassanid period in the 7th century, telling the tales of heroic blacksmiths, despotic rulers and wicked demons who form the currents of good and evil which run throughout human history. Through his complex characters, Ferdowsi demonstrates the capacity for lightness and darkness and for happiness and unhappiness, in every being, encouraging his readers to actively take the side of good. He glorifies war and warriors, yet his characters rarely escape the consequences of their actions. The most famous story in the book is that of Rostam, a warrior whose bravery and skill surpass all others, and who defeats unbeatable foes.

Iranians compare him to the Greek poet Homer. His statue gazes over the traffic in a Tehran square. The closing couplets of his great poem are chiseled into the walls of the classical tomb built to his memory in northeastern Iran. Most importantly, his book remains in many Iranian homes and hearts.

It is true that it was Ferdowsi, with a single great book, who preserved the Persian language, history and mythology from being erased.

Ferdowsi concludes the Shahnameh by writing:

Much I have suffered in these thirty years,
I have revived the Ajam with my verse
I will not die then alive in the world,
For I have spread the seed of the word
Whoever has sense, path and faith,
After my death will send me praise.

History is a poem written by time on the memories often fade and new generations always replace the old, Shiraz is faithful custodian of the past that has shaped the Iranian nation.

Shiraz. Persepolis

The ”Gate of All Nations” at Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenids, is where dignitaries from every comer of the Persian Empire passed through before entering the Throne Hall to pay homage to the reigning Achaemenid king. A pair of Lamassi (winged lions with human heads) guard the eastern entrance of this structure.

Shiraz. Arg Karim Khani

Shiraz is a museum of time, where one can witness the rise and fall of empires, the triumph and defeat of dynasties and the artistic ingenuity of Persian craftsmen, magnificent mosques, lively markets, massive cliff tombs and embellished shrine. Every year on 5th of May (15 Ordibehesht) everyone travel to Shiraz to celebrate the “National Day of Shiraz” because of its reach history, outstanding culture and of course its mild weather in May.

Every corner of the city boasts a memorial built by a past ruler – a contribution that ensures their benefactors will not be consigned to oblivion and will live on in memories for as long as these monuments stand.

Shiraz. Narenjestan Qavam

The ancient Persians were the creators of parks known as Paradise Gardens which inspired garden design throughout Asia and Europe. The lavish use of flowers in these gardens inspired the weaving of floral designs into what is known as the garden carpet. Eram, which means Eden, is one such garden in Shiraz where palm trees, flower beds and fountains have created a pleasant atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Shiraz.Eram Garden

Shiraz is where once dignitaries from every corner of the empire converged to pay homage to their king. Shiraz is still the city of ancient customs, timeless traditions, and colorful costumes. Where nomadic tribes still offer their handmade creations in the city’s market.

One of the dynasties to rule Shiraz and construct a royal district were the Zands (1750-1794) Vakil mosque is a remainder of that era. The mosque is famed for its Minbar (pulpit) which has been cut from a solid piece of green marble and its Shabistan (inner sanctum) which has 48 monolithic marble pillars carved in spirals.

Shiraz.Vakil Mosque

Shiraz is where the most eloquent of Persian bards like Hafez, Saadi and Khwaju Kermani lived and died, poets who captured the hearts and inspired the minds of not only their nation but also some of the greatest writers and scholars of the word. It is the city of mystics, Sufis and saints, the city of hypnotic melodies and poignant song, the city of artist’s expression and innovation, the city of acceptance, of warmhearted and fun-loving people.

Shiraz.Sadi Tomb

Saadi, wrote a poem eight century ago that later became a motto on the entrance of the United Nations building:

Human beings are members of a whole, In creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted with pain, Other members uneasy will remain. If you’ve no sympathy for human pain, The name of human you cannot retain!

Famed for its unique colored glass facade, Nasir ai-Mulk Mosque or the Pink Mosque was built in 1888. Because of its elaborate decorations the mosque is a popular tourist destination at all hours of the day, however, many opt to visit the Pink Mosque between 7 am and 10 am in order to witness the pink glow the mosque is famous for.

Shiraz. Nasir Al Mulk Mosque

Shiraz is the city of poetry, the city of wine garden and roses. The city of flowers and nightingales. The city of Cypress trees and orange blossoms. The city of love. Shiraz is the cultural capital of Iran. Shiraz is an enchantress that beckons one and all to come revel in its beauty, discover is treasures and witness its glory.

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The United Nations first began celebrating the day on 8 March in 1975, and each year has given focus to women’s status around the globe.

Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended the ethos of many countries, primarily in Europe, especially those in the S.Bloc.

In some regions, the day missing its political flavor, and became basic an occasion for people to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

In other regions, however, the political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social cognizance of the struggles of female worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful demeanor.

Meet the Top 15 Most Successful Iranian Women on Intl. Women’s Day:

1- Anousheh Ansari

Anousheh Ansari (born September 12, 1966, in Mashhad, Iran) is an Iranian-American engineer and co-founder and chairwoman of Prodea Systems. Her previous business accomplishments include serving as co-founder and CEO of Telecom Technologies, Inc. In 2001 in a stock-for-stock transaction for 10.8 million shares of Sonus stock. Anousheh Ansari became “a vice president of Sonus and general manager of Sonus’ new INtelligentIP division.”In 2006, she co-founded Prodea Systems, and is the current chairman and CEO. Ansari was the fourth overall self-funded space traveler, and the first self-funded woman to fly to the International Space Station.

2- Parisa Tabriz

Parisa Tabriz born 1983 is an American computer security expert. Forbes included her in their, “30 Under 30” list (30 Tech Pioneers under the age of 30) and she now works for Google as the self-appointed, Security Princess, and head of the team responsible for Chrome Security. She joined Google just a few months after graduation. Tabriz was born to a Polish-American mother, a nurse, and an Iranian-immigrant father, a doctor.

3- Roxanna Varza

Roxanne Varza currently leads Microsoft’s startup activities in France, running both Bizspark and Microsoft Ventures programs. In April 2013, Business Insider listed her as one of the top 30 women under 30 in tech. Prior to Microsoft, she worked for several European startups and was also the Editor of TechCrunch France. She also co-founded the French and British chapters of Girls in Tech and is the co-organizer of the Failcon Paris conference. Roxanne is trilingual, an epilepsy advocate, and holds degrees from UCLA, Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics.

4- Soraya Darabi

Soraya Darabi is the co-founder of Zady, a mission-driven content and commerce brand described best as “The Whole Foods of Fashion.” Zady creates and sells stylish, timeless, sustainably produced apparel and tells the story of each product, down to the raw materials. Soraya began her career as Manager of Digital Partnerships and Social Media at The New York Times, where she kept her finger on the pulse of today’s ever-changing digital landscape. While at The Times, she positioned the global news leader on social networks such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, partnered with startups large and small, and established award winning campaigns. Soraya received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.

5- Roxana Moslehi

Roxana Moslehi, Ph.D. is a genetic epidemiologist. Most of her research is dedicated to the study of cancer and cancer precursors. Born in Iran and raised in Canada, she is currently an associate professor in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY), where she has been teaching multiple courses, including those she developed in genetic and molecular epidemiology. Through her research she has been contributing to the understanding of hereditary causes of diseases as well as the influence of gene-environment interactions on the risk of developing disease.

6- Maryam Mirzakhani

Maryam Mirzakhani is an Iranian mathematician working in the United States. Since 1 September 2008, she has served as a professor of mathematics at Stanford University. In 2014, Mirzakhani became both the first woman and the first Iranian honored with the Fields Medal, the most prestigious award in mathematics. The award committee cited her work in understanding the symmetry of curved surfaces. Her research topics include Teichmüller theory, hyperbolic geometry, ergodic theory, and symplectic geometry

7- Maria Khorsand

Maria Khorsand, M.Sc. Computer Science, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of SP Sveriges Tekniska Forskningsinstitut, Sweden. Ms. Khorsand has been the President of the Financial Markets at OMX Technology AB since April 2004. She has been the President of Ericsson Technology Licensing since 2001. She worked within OMX Technology, as the Chief Executive Officer of Ericsson Technology Licensing and as Chief Executive Officer of Dell AB. Ms. Khorsand has been a Member of … the Board of Directors at Beijer Electronics AB since April 2010. She holds M.Sc. degree in Computer Science.

8- Pardis Sabeti

Pardis C. Sabeti is an Iranian-American computational biologist, medical geneticist and evolutionary geneticist, who developed a bioinformatic statistical method which identifies sections of the genome that have been subject to natural selection and an algorithm which explains the effects of genetics on the evolution of disease. In 2014, Sabeti headed a group which used advanced genomic sequencing technology to identify a single point of infection from an animal reservoir to a human in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. RNA changes suggests that the first human infection was followed by exclusive human to human transmissions. Sabeti is a full professor in the Center for Systems Biology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and on the faculty of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics at the Harvard School of Public Health, and is a senior associate member at the Broad Institute

9- Christiane Amanpour

Christiane Amanpour is a British-Iranian journalist and television host. Amanpour is the Chief International Correspondent for CNN and host of CNN International’s nightly interview program Amanpour. Amanpour is also a Global Affairs Anchor of ABC News. As of 2014, she has been recognized as one of the journalists most world leaders follow on Twitter, according to a report by the PR firm Burson-Marsteller.

10- Minoo Akhtarzand

Minoo Akhtarzand is the current governor of Jönköping County, Sweden. Minoo Akhtarzand was born and raised in Tehran. Her father was a high-ranking officer in the Shah’s army. At the age of 17 she moved to Stockholm to study at the Royal Institute of Technology. Later she held various managerial posts at the Swedish energy company Vattenfall and was the director of the former regional labour agency in Uppsala. In February 2008 she was appointed Director-General at Banverket, the Swedish Rail Administration. She was elected a Vice-President of European Rail Infrastructure Managers in June 2009. She became the last Director-General of Banverket as that government agency merged with the Swedish Road Administration (Vägverket) in 2010 to create the new Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). In September 2010 she was appointed the governor of Jönköping County.

11- Taraneh Razavi

Taraneh Razavi is not your ordinary physician. She’s the doctor at Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, where she’s in charge of maintaining the Googlers in good health. But she’s also interested in how tech trends affect our health and preventive care in general.

12- Rudi Bakhtiar

Rudi (Rudabeh) Bakhtiar is a producer for Thomson Reuters television. She is most known for anchoring a prime time national three-hour newscast in the United States, called “CNN Headline News Tonight”. She also anchored other high profile newscasts for CNN, including Anderson Cooper 360. She has over a decade of experience working for major international news outlets CNN, Voice of America, and Reuters News.

13- Goli Ameri

Goli Ameri is an Iranian-American diplomat and businesswoman. She is the President and CEO of the Center for Global Engagement, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering engagement between U.S. society and the rest of the world with a view to promoting shared values and common interests and increasing mutual understanding and respect.[1] She is the former Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Values and Diplomacy for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. She is also the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. She ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican in 2004 and is a former U.S. Representative to the United Nations.

14- Mona jarrahi

Born in Iran, professor Mona Jarrahi is one of Iran’s and also world’s most influential scientist, mathematician, physicist, and senior researcher and professors at the Terahertz Electronics Laboratory Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Professor Jarrahi is one of the youngest Assistant Professors at Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and also at Berkeley Micromechanical Analysis and Design Laboratory – University of California, Berkeley.

15- Farah Karimi

Farahnaz (Farah) Karimi is an Iranian-Dutch politician. She was a member of the House of Representatives between 1998 and 2006 for GreenLeft.

6-Espinas Palace Hotel, Tehran
7- laleh kandovan international rocky hotel, Tabriz
8-Pars Hotel, Tabriz
9-Ghasr Talaee International Hotel, Mashhad
10-Ramsar Parsian Hotel, Ramsar
We promise if you are visiting Iran you will not just like, but love at least one of these places.

Nowruz (literally translated as “new day” in Farsi) is celebrated by over 75 million people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds in lands that once belonged to the Persian Empire.
Here are a few expert tips to get you celebrating Nowruz like a pro.
1. Take a crash course on Zoroastrianism
Zoroastar is depicted in this painting of “The School of Athens.” (Photo via Wikipedia)
Nowruz is believed to have been invented by Zoroastar, the leader of the religion and ancient philosophy of Zoroastrianism.

It emphasizes the broad concept and differences of “good” and “evil.” Believers should be connected to nature and animals, and always respect the element of fire.
2. Meet the Persian Santa Claus

Haji Firooz gives gifts to celebrators and covers his hands and face with soot. (Photo via Flickr by Sina S)
Haji Firouz, who is known as the “Santa Claus” of this holiday, has been referred to as the Zoroastrian fire keeper, as his face and hands are painted black to represent soot from the fire.

He wears a red cloak and a red felt hat, sings songs on new year and gives gifts to all the children and people who are celebrating. He plays his loud tambourine and sings traditional songs, bringing joyfulness to the Nowruz celebration.
3. Learn the new year greeting, “No-Rooz Mobarak!”

During this time of year, Iranians prepare for the occasion by cleaning their homes, getting ready for guests to come over and share the traditional meal of “sabzi-polo-mahi,” salmon and spinach rice.

Hosts greet their guests by kissing one another on the cheek in gratitude and give the new year greeting, “No-Rooz Mobarak!”

4. Jump over fire!
A child celebrates Chahārshanbe Suri by leaping over fire. (Photo via Flickr by Quinn Dombrowski)
On the last Wednesday of the year, Iranians celebrate Chahārshanbe Suri. People gather together in the streets and alleys to make bonfires and jump over them while singing the traditional songs.

Jumping over the fire is believed to be burning out all of your fear in your subconscious and spirit, in order to enter the new year brand new.

Traditionally on this night, many children also wrap themselves in cloaks, going door to door and banging spoons on pots and pans, asking for treats from the neighbors.

It is believed that the louder the children bang their spoons, the more they are beating out the last unlucky Wednesday of the New Year.

5. Know how to set your table
A traditional table is set for Nowruz, complete with the “Seven S’s,” gold fish, painted eggs and a mirror. (Photo via Flickr by Remy)
Iranians traditionally gather around a “Haft-Seen” (translated as Seven-S’s), which is the traditional table setting to bring in the new year and the new beginnings of spring.

It consists of seven items that in Farsi begin with the letter “S.”

Sabzeh (lentil sprouts that grow in a dish, symbolizing rebirth)
Samanu (sweet pudding made from wheat, symbolizing affluence)
Senjed (dried fruit of the oleaster tree, symbolizing love)
Seer (garlic, symbolizing medicine)
Seeb (apple, symbolizing health and beauty)
Somaq (sumac berries, symbolizing the color of the sunrise)
Serkeh (vinegar, symbolzing age and patience)
Also on the “Haft-Seen,” many people decorate eggs for good luck and fertility. There may also be a goldfish in a bowl to represent new beginnings and a mirror, to always look at your reflection.
6. Pick a book to complete your table
Iranians have been placing the “Shahnameh: The Epic of Persian Kings” at their Haft-Seen. This classic book was written over a thousand years ago by the great poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi, with over 50,000 verses of Persian history, mythological stories and heroic kings.

Originally, the book was written strictly in Farsi, in order to keep the stories and its language as pure as possible, and rarely translated to other languages.

In 2013, Ahmad Sadri’s version of the “Shahnameh” came to surface along with beautiful images by Hamid Rahmanian. Together they created an English translation of this epic book, creating more opportunities for non-Iranians to learn about Iranian history and culture.
7. Eat at a Persian restaurant

Iranians are extremely welcoming to others and love sharing cultural experiences. This is a great time of year to check out Persian cuisines.